Tissue culture protocols for the obligate parasitic plant Striga hermonthica and implications for host‑parasite co‑cultivation

To facilitate studies of Striga–host interactions for molecular and genetic studies, the authors of this study:

  • Established an efficient protocol for growing Striga from seeds in tissue culture;
  • Optimized protocols for its regeneration through direct organogenesis and somatic embryogenesis.
  • Determined the effect of co-culturing host and parasite in the same culture media. Techniques described in this study will enhance further understanding of Striga–host interactions.

Read more: http://tiny.cc/o1ag8y


Morphological characterization, genetic diversity and population structure of African nightshades

This study analysed morphological traits, genetic diversity and differentiation in 54 entries of: Solanum villosum and S. scabrum. Genetic diversity of the released cultivars and accessions was comparable to but lower than that of the local cultivars. The local cultivars had higher allelic richness and a larger number of unique alleles than did the developed cultivars and could serve as a useful gene pool for future breeding of superior germplasm.

Read more: http://tiny.cc/2lw17y


 

Evaluation of the Genetic Diversity of African Yam Bean Using Seed Protein Marker

 

This study evaluated the genetic diversity on forty (40) accessions of African yam bean (Sphenostylis stenocarpa) obtained from IITA germplasm bank and other parts of Nigeria. The genetic differences among the accessions were detected by the presence or absence of bands, which could be used as a basis for variation among accessions. Results revealed high polymorphism (≈93%), indicating high intra-specific genetic variation with potential linkage to traits desired by breeders.

Read more: http://tiny.cc/pot17y